Senator Mathews approves of release of COVID CARES act funding to local governments: “It’s long overdue”

(St. Paul) – Thursday, Governor Walz announced he would distribute the full $841 million in federal CARES funding to local entities. The distribution is according to the approved compromise legislation the Senate and House agreed to in the special session.

“I’m encouraged that local governments will finally receive their funding, despite the unnecessary delay,” said Senator Andrew Mathews (R-Princeton). “The money could have been out the door in the regular session, or even in last week’s special session, when it had full agreement. It’s long overdue. This announcement shows the absurdity of shutting down agreed-upon bills for extra spending.”

The compromise agreement distributed the local government funding fairly to Minnesota counties, cities, and towns based on a formula using their population. The Senate passed the agreed-upon legislation with nearly unanimous support during the special session. The legislation brought transparency and fairness to the distribution since the federal funds were not subject to legislative approval and could be spent unilaterally by Walz.

Minnesota received more than $2 billion from the federal government to help local governments, health professionals, and businesses fight COVID. That money went into an account called the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, so it could be quickly deployed to places it is needed most.

Further Resources:

Counties Aid Distribution

Cities Aid Distribution

Township Aid Distribution

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